Obituary: Laura Lee Hawes Jordahl

A memorial visitation will be Thursday, August 14 from 5 until 7 pm at Cease Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN, a public prayer service will be held at 7 PM. Visitation will also be held for 1 hour pior to the services at the church on Friday. Memorial services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 10:30 pm. A private family inurnment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery.

Laura Lee Hawes was born on October 11, 1956 to Harvey and Alice (Davison) Hawes in Cook, MN. She spent her childhood and high school years in Crookston, MN. She graduated from Central High School in 1975 and attended The University of MN – Crookston.

Laura married her love, Steve A. Jordahl on June 24, 1978 in Crookston, MN. They had two children, Jessica (1980) and Joshua (1982). She worked at Polk County Courthouse in Crookston until their move to Park Rapids in 1989 where she worked at Hubbard County Courthouse as a deputy assessor. Later she started a successful business, Rapid Abstract and Title Services in Park Rapids.

Laura treasured following her children in school sports. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, upholstering and all types of crafts. She co-founded Moonlight Venues and Productions to bring craft fairs to Park Rapids. Laura really loved being a Grandma and couldn’t wait for their visits. She fancied animals, especially horses and her dogs. Everyone will remember her quick wit and mischievous ways!

She was diagnosed with cancer in December 2010 and was treated at Cancer Treatment Center of America near Chicago, Illinois. Through radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries she maintained an ever-positive outlook. Her attitude and strength will continue to be an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Laura is survived by her husband, Steve of 36 years; her daughter, Jessie (Ryan) Uhlenkamp and their children, Cohen and Cale of St. Michael, MN; her son, Josh (Tawnielle) Jordahl and their children, Jediah and Jenna of Park Rapids, MN; parents, Harvey and Alice Hawes of Park Rapids, MN; siblings, Jim (Denise) Hawes of Nevis, MN; Vicki Laager (Troy Oien) of Park Rapids, MN; Terri (Donald) Lamirande of St. Adolphe, Manitoba; and Karla (Matt) VanderBie of Wasilla, Alaska; extended family, Wayne (Barb) Jordahl of Nevis, MN; Keith (Nancy) Jordahl of Park Rapids, MN; and Les (Carol) Jordahl of Crookston, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews. She loved being “Laura the Great”!

Preceding her in death were her mother and father in law, Ernest and Helen Jordahl, as well as her brother in law, Kent Jordahl.

A memorial visitation will be Thursday, August 14 from 5 until 7 pm at Cease Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN, a public prayer service will be held at 7 PM. Visitation will also be held for 1 hour pior to the services at the church on Friday. Memorial services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 10:30 pm. A private family inurnment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery. The family appreciates your kind thoughts and prayers. Her family suggests memorials may be given in lieu of flowers. Friends may view online obituary and leave condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com.